Gokenin (御廨忍, Literally meaning: High Government Ninja) is a prestigious position within the Land of Three Seasons and is preceded by the Jōnin Commander (上忍班長, Jōnin Hanchō) rank. It is a title gained through merit, combat experience and an adept political prowess. Both the former and latter are coupled with a bookish precision and professional peculiarity in both shinobi and civilian affairs.
Within the Land of Three Seasons, gokenin are normally appointed by the Shugodai (守護代), with the recommendation from the current and previous kage, their "job" is to oversee the political and military affairs of three or less villages within their province. If the shugodai is not present, the appointment may be fulfilled by the Shugo (守護) in their stead who presides over a single province. At the village level, the kage and gokenin collaborate with undiluted cohesiveness when it comes to major choices affecting the village. The gokenin is normally the representative for the Shugodai at the village level and they are not allowed to relocate once they are assigned to a village(s) unless they resign.
They are the supreme military commanders of larger villages and thus lead an advisory council with of a team of Taichō Jōnin (隊長上忍, Literally meaning: Captain Elite Ninja) when it comes to preparing missions and training regimens. The gokenin must appoint a Butaichō Jōnin (部隊長上忍, Literally meaning: Commander Elite Ninja) as their next in command which is also based upon varying credentials and a Jōnin Commander Exam. The gokenin may assist a team of jōnin on S-rank and above missions at their leisure.